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One of the most massive of the large SUVs, the 2009 Ford Expedition still has pleasant performance, thanks in most part to its powerful V8 engine. However, that engine can't overcome the laws of physics, and the Expedition handles like the giant SUV that it is. Still, most reviewers say that the Expedition is nimble enough for must driving.

"Delivers a driving experience that rivals -- and in some ways bests -- that of Chevrolet's redesigned Tahoe." -- Cars.com

Acceleration and Power

The Expedition comes with a 5.4-liter V8 engine. The Environmental Protection Agency only rates the 2009 Ford Expedition's fuel economy with rear wheel drive at 12 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highways. A six speed automatic transmission is standard.

"It nailed the 60-mph mark in 8.4 seconds versus an 8.9 best for the Suburban and toured the quarter mile in 16.2 seconds at 84.2 mph against a 16.6-second/84.4-mph best for the Chevy," -- Motor Trend

"The V8 offers solid acceleration in most situations and delivers its power in a smooth manner. The six-speed automatic generally makes good use of the V8's reserves but occasionally has difficulty finding the right gear during passing maneuvers." -- Edmunds

"Expedition and Navigator have sufficient power for any situation. The alert 6-speed automatic transmission is always in the right gear. A test Expedition EL coped well with a 5000-lb trailer over hilly terrain." -- Consumer Guide

Handling and Braking

There are mixed feelings on the Expedition's handling.

"It goes without saying that you have to take corners with care in a vehicle like this, but body roll has been reined in fairly well." -- Cars.com

"Ford claims that the new Expedition 'doesn't handle like a big truck,' but what does it handle like, then? A thirty year-old school bus riding twenty pounds low in the tires is probably a good approximation." -- Car and Driver

"Though the Expedition has decent brakes, you still need room to come to a complete stop." -- Automobile Magazine

Four-Wheel Drive

Reviews have nothing negative to report concerning the Expedition's four-wheel drive, which is available on both short and long-wheelbase variants.

"Ideal for wet weather or snowy conditions as it automatically apportions torque to the wheel with grip, four-wheel drive high, for traveling across lighter duty off-road sections, and four-wheel drive low, for the really tough stuff." -- Automobile.com

Towing

Most reviewers are impressed with the Expedition's towing capabilities. Edmunds even tested the Expedition's towing abilities against its main competitor, the Chevy Tahoe.

"The Tahoe's fewer gears led to a mid-hill bout of gear hunting, which wasn't evident in the Ford. The Chevy's 20-hp advantage showed itself higher up at the steepest portion where both trucks were at wide-open throttle. Here the Tahoe maintained 58.3 mph, while the Expedition faded slightly to 55.8 mph." -- Edmunds

"One of the main reasons that people buy these huge SUVs is for their towing capability. In this respect, the Expedition is certainly not lacking." -- The Family Car